Rassie Erasmus has praised Eddie Jones after the Japan coach recently accused Ireland bosses of using their influence with World Rugby for favourable Test match scheduling.
In the inaugural Nations Championship this year, the Brave Blossoms must travel 10 hours to Newcastle, Australia, to host Andy Farrell’s Ireland on 11 July, rather than playing at home in Tokyo.
Japan and Fiji are the only Nations Championship teams forced to relocate home fixtures. The Fijians will play all three of theirs in Britain.
Speaking on the Rugby Unity podcast, Jones told host David Pembroke: “You know why we’re playing Ireland in Newcastle, right?
“Ireland have all the power at World Rugby, so we have to play our home game, which should be in Tokyo, in Australia to make sure Ireland don’t have to travel too much.
ALSO: Bok legend fears ‘underdog’ All Blacks
“Let’s be frank about this. We just have to suck it up and that’s what happens when you’re not a major political power at the table.”
“I know how they took place,” the former Wallabies and England coach added. “Ireland say: ‘We’re not going from New Zealand to Japan and then back to Australia, we’re not doing that’.
“Japan, you want to be in the Nations Cup? Yes, of course we do, but you’ve got to use one of your home games to play in Australia.
“It’s simple mate, it’s not complicated.”
Jones later softened his stance, acknowledging the honour of competing in the new tournament and conceding that scheduling inequalities were part of the deal.
On X, the fiery Australian earned a nod from Erasmus, with the Springbok boss noting Jones’ “honesty and no fear mentality”.
We dont always agree,but really admire this honesty and no fear mentality
pic.twitter.com/BAWUUmanII
— Rassie Erasmus (@RassieRugby) April 29, 2026
Photo: Gallo Images/Steve Haag
The post Rassie gives props to fearless Eddie appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
